Newsbriefs

YNHH helps bring Get Healthy Connecticut to New Haven

In keeping with its efforts to help employees get — and stay — healthy and fit, Yale-New Haven Hospital is a major partner in helping to bring Get Healthy Connecticut to New Haven. The program actually started at Yale New Haven Health System's Bridgeport Hospital. The initiative commemorates New Haven's 375th anniversary by challenging residents to lose 375,000 pounds over the next two years.

As a supporter of the program, employers like YNHH will sign pledges to serve healthy foods at meetings and to encourage employees to get more physical activity — like taking the stairs — during the work day.

For a directory of local resources and links to educational materials for healthy eating and physical activity, employees may go to www.gethealthyct.org.

YNHH adds second intercampus shuttle bus

To provide faster and better service for employees, YNHH is adding a second intercampus shuttle during peak weekday hours.

The new shuttle will operate 5:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The first shuttle will continue to operate 24/7. They both stop at York and Cedar streets, the McGivney Center entrance on the SRC, and the Scranton Building (on-call). YNHH offers a shuttle bus tracking system so employees can see where the bus or buses are on each route. Employees may access by going to www.ynhhbus.org.

Apps are also available for iPhones and Android phones. For more information, employees may contact Parking and Transportation at 688-2623.

A Mother's Place relocates to Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital

A Mother's Place, formerly located at 300 George Street, has moved to Suite 1005 on the 10th floor of Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. The shop, which offers breastfeeding supplies and support to breastfeeding mothers, is now conveniently located next to the Maternity Unit.

A Mother's Place is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed 12:30-1:15 p.m.) and open Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information about A Mother's Place, employees may call 688-9355.

Saint Raphael Campus celebrates Founders' Day Oct. 24

YNHH Saint Raphael Campus will celebrate Founders' Day on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 1:30 p.m. in Cronin Auditorium. This new tradition, to be celebrated annually, recognizes the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth and their legacy of service. With 14 local physicians, the Sisters of Charity founded the Hospital of Saint Raphael in 1907. A reception in the auditorium lobby will follow the onehour multi-faith service. All employees are invited to attend.

livingwell presents seminar on Social Security Nov. 5, 6

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 5 and 6, livingwell, the hospital's health and financial wellness program for employees, will present a one-hour workshop called Understanding Social Security on both campuses. Mike Lynch, senior financial planner, MetLife Securities, will explain the basics about Social Security (SS) as one source of retirement income, noon-1 p.m. in CH 201 on Nov. 5, and in the Selina Lewis multipurpose room on Nov. 6. He will discuss age requirements for eligibility, how it can pay to delay collecting benefits, how SS benefits are taxed and the impact of additional earned income on SS benefits. Employees may register at www.metlifeplansmart.com (company name is YNHH) or by phone at 1-866-712-9172.

Smilow wellness lecture explores healing benefits of laughter

The Smilow Wellness Workshops series continues with "Laughter Can Be the Best Medicine," a discussion on humor therapy and how it can help health and healing, featuring humorist Gina Barreca, PhD.

The event, co-sponsored by the Yale-New Haven Hospital Auxiliary, takes place on Friday, Nov. 1, at 6 p.m. in the 55 Park Street auditorium. Dr. Barreca has appeared on 20/20, The Today Show, Oprah and CNN, among others and is the author of several books and articles on the topic. She will be joined by Peter Herbert, MD, chief of staff, who will also share views on the benefits of humor in healing.

The workshop is free; space is limited and reservations are required. To register, employees may call 688-2000 or reserve online at www.ynhh.org/events.